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Michael Townsend

Michael Townsend

Managing Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Michael is Schwab's Washington-based political analyst. With more than 30 years of Washington experience, he analyzes legislative, regulatory, and political developments to determine how they would affect individual investors, retirement plan participants, and investment advisers.

Michael is the host of Schwab's WashingtonWise podcast, which explores the intersection between policy, politics, the markets, and the economy. He is a featured speaker at dozens of employee, client, adviser, and industry events each year, where he discusses the impact of the political and policy environment in Washington on investors and the capital markets.

Prior to joining Schwab in 2000, Michael worked at Powell Tate, Inc., a Washington, D.C., public affairs firm, and previously worked for two U.S. senators from Maine. He holds an M.A. in English from George Mason University and a B.A. in English from Bowdoin College.

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Take a look at what Michael has written or been featured in.

Washington Watch

RIA Washington Watch

What is RIA Washington Watch?

Every quarter, RIA Washington Watch brings you the most up-to-date information on registered investment advisor news and policy changes to help your firm make informed decisions.

This report is current as of September 15

Michael Townsend
Washington Watch

Washington Watch

With a split Congress and razor-thin majorities in both House and Senate, Washington continues to be a hotbed of dysfunction. Both Democrats and Republicans are eagerly anticipating the election in less than six months, and neither party wants to give the other an advantage that could be used on the campaign trail. Yet Congress did manage to come together this spring to pass key federal spending bills—a reminder that, even in divisive times, bipartisan majorities can find their way to success.

Michael Townsend
Washington Watch

Washington Watch

2024 is shaping up to be a year of unpredictability and anxiety for investors. Wars continue in Ukraine and the Middle East, neither with any clear path to resolution. Rebel attacks on container ships in the Red Sea have impacted supply chains. U.S.-China tensions continue to rise. The Federal Reserve and central banks around the world are wrestling with inflation and other economic indicators as they determine when to begin interest-rate cuts. A landmark election looms in November. Add to that list unprecedented dysfunction on Capitol Hill, and it's no surprise investors are nervous.  

Michael Townsend